Volkswagen

The Golf VII mule has been spotted for the first time, and though it came dressed as the Golf VI, the wider wheel arches were a giveaway. The Golf is Volkswagen’s most popular car, and can be expected to get the best from the brand. Golf 7 is expected to reach markets by 2012.

The Golf is expected to get Twin Drive hybrid technology, with three electric motors in the car, giving it an electric-only range of 30 miles and a fuel economy of 113mpg. A 1.5-liter diesel would work along with the electric motors. A gasoline variant of the Golf may employ an HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) engine that has the same properties as a regular gasoline engine, but ignites like a diesel engine, thus lacking spark plugs but providing greater economy. [via WCF]

The wait for the initial specs and the photographs of the three-door Volkswagen Polo is over. VW has indeed detailed the car before its Frankfurt unveiling next month. The car features three different trim levels with the base Trendline model coming with standard ESP, daytime running lights, electric front windows, central locking, and tinted glasses. Next up is the Comfortline which comes with body-colored exterior accents, chrome trim, AC, faux aluminum interior details and an interesting split folding rear seat.

The top of the line is the Highline with additional chrome trim, 15-inch alloy wheels and fog lights on the outside. On the inside you get a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function display, and height-adjustable sport seats. With the three variants, the customers will get to choose from six engine options, three diesel variants and three petrol ones. The price for the Polo 3-door starts at €12,150. [via WCF]

The latest version of the 2010 Volkswagen Saveiro, a compact pickup built in Brazil, will be released in the South American market. The Saveiro is a direct competitor against the likes of Chevrolet Montana and Fiat Strada. The Saveiro will come with a single engine rendering different outputs. While the 1.6-litre VHT petrol will produce 101hp, the ethanol version will render a slightly higher 104hp. There are three trim levels available- 1.6L base, 1.6L Trend and 1.6L Trooper. The base model is simple with unpainted bumpers and a very simple interior; however the trend has body colored bumpers. The top model, targets young buyers as it is visually more specified. [via autoblog.it]

I used to drive a 1960 VW Bug. The car didn’t even have an fuel gauge in it. You drove it till it ran out of gas, pulled the lever on the reserve tank and hoped a gas station was nearby. VW sure has changed since that 1960 Bug. Enter the Volkswagen Amarok. It means “love stones.” Don’t think too hard about that. In Inuit Eskimo it means “wolf.” So, what are the Germans doing in Alaska looking for a name for their new truck? I don’t know, but I’d like to show this vehicle some love, wouldn’t you? [via AutoEvolution

Due in late 2010, the new Volkswagen Touareg was recently spied while testing in a mountainous area. Despite the vehicle being only a rough example of what the final product is projected to be, rumors have it that it’s a powertrain mule for the new V6 TSI hybrid engine. A hybrid with a high power potential. With an option for a 3.0 liter 4 cylinder bi-turbo and a 333hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, the new Volkswagen Touareg will share the same platform as the next Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, and will surely be fast. Another great candidate to the SUV market that was getting boring lately … [via WCF]

Since we got no sight on the new Scirocco R20T in Geneva, the Brits from CAR reported that the Germans are preparing to show off their Volkswagen GTI-R in September at the Motor Show in Frankfurt. Although it doesn’t look as fun, you can be sure this one just as hot. Housing an Audi S3 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that is supposed to sport close to 260 hp (and also does AWD), the new GTI-R has been put on a diet to deliver more than you can imagine. If you like it expect to sell late 2009 or early 2010. You game? [via Autoblog]

If that surprises anyone, the new 2010 VW Polo looks a lot like the “worshiped” MkVI Golf. Better in many ways, the little city car looks mature and tries to reach to the high-end class. And after losing some weight it managed to significantly improve fuel efficiency. But if you’re considering it for what’s under the hood, too, the Germans updated it with two impressive new engines, and a option to have them mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. And the one that got our attention the new 1.2 liter (TSI) turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection engine sports 105 hp and goes 100km on only 5.5 l of gasoline. Expected to start selling from June, the new Polo could be a hot seller with that bad economy. All it needs, is a good price. – via

We already knowhow Golf 6 looks like, we’ve seen the GTI or the MK6 version, but did you know that the Germans have been secretly working on an all new Polo GTI as well? What you see in here is an artist rendering of what could be the fastest series Polo ever.

Powered by the same 1.4 liter super- and turbo-charged four-cylinger TSI as the Ibiza Cupra and developing nothing less than 178 hp, it should top at 225kmh and reach 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with red brake calipers, dual exhaust, and signal mirrors, the new Polo GTI is expected to do 40mpg (7 l/100km), and emits 150 grams of CO2/km. Not that bad if you care about the environment.

Prices should be close to £15,500 ($22,500) and we think that if it looks like this, it’s going to be a top seller. At least in Europe. – WCF via autoexpress